counterpoint
noun/ˈkaʊntərˌpɔɪnt/
Frequency rank: #11,574 most common English word
Meaning
a technique in music where two or more independent melodies are played simultaneously in harmony; more broadly, something that contrasts with or complements another thing.

Example sentence
The composer used counterpoint to weave two melodies together so that each enhanced the other.
Synonyms & related words
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